Thursday, Dec. 5 2024 Vol. 134 No. 15 by The Rocky Mountain Collegian

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Martin Limbird plays the accordion in Old Town Square in Fort Collins Dec. 3. “I started playing accordion when I was 11,” Limbird said. “That was a few years ago, but I am happy that I kept up the habit because playing music for me is a joyful experience. I like the accordion because it is portable, because it’s versatile and because you find accordion music popular in many different cultures. So I know German music, European music — I can play songs from Korea, from India and China.” PHOTO BY

GARRETT MOGEL

THE COLLEGIAN

This publication is not an official publication of Colorado State University, but is published by an independent corporation using the name ‘The Rocky Mountain Collegian’ pursuant to a license granted by CSU. Approximately 59% of Rocky Mountain Student Media Corp’s income is provided by the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) for the purpose of fostering student careers post-college and greater campus awareness and engagement. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is a 3,000-circulation student-run newspaper intended as a public forum and is printed on paper made of 30% post-consumer waste. It publishes every Thursday during the regular fall and spring semesters. The Collegian publishes online Monday through Thursday. Corrections may be submitted to the editor in chief and will be printed as necessary on page two. The Collegian is a complimentary publication for the Fort Collins community. The first copy is free. Additional copies are 25 cents each.

Allie Seibel | Editor in Chief editor@collegian.com

Hannah Parcells | Content Managing Editor managingeditor@collegian.com

Adah McMillan | Executive Editor copy@collegian.com

Claire Vogl | Copy Chief copy@collegian.com

Nathan Carmody | Print Director design@collegian.com

Caden Proulx | Print Director design@collegian.com

Trin Bonner | Illustration Editor design@collegian.com

FOCO EVENTS

Fall Dance Capstone Concert at University Center for the Arts 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-7

Fort Collins Trolley Holiday Open House at Fort Collins Railway Municipal Society 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7

The Nutcracker High Tea at The Lincoln Center 11 a.m. Dec. 7, 1 p.m. Dec. 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor reflect the view of a member of the campus community and are submitted to the publication for approval. Readers may submit letters to letters@ collegian.com. Please follow the guidelines listed at collegian.com before submitting.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Aubree Miller | News Editor news@collegian.com

Sam Hutton | News Editor news@collegian.com

Christian Arndt | L&C Editor life@collegian.com

Jenn Dawson | Science Editor science@collegian.com

Ruby Secrest | A&E Editor entertainment@collegian.com

Damon Cook | Sports Editor sports@collegian.com

Michael Hovey | Sports Editor sports@collegian.com

Dominique Lopez | Opinion Editor letters@collegian.com

Garrett Mogel | Photo Director photo@collegian.com

Cait Mckinzie | Photo Director photo@collegian.com

Gigi Young | Digital & Social Director social@collegian.com

Isabella Trinchero | Social Media Coordinator social@collegian.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Collegian, 133 years later

By Allie Seibel @csucollegian

In the basement of the Lory Student Center, a large framed photo hangs right in the entryway of the Rocky Mountain Student Media Corporation offices. It’s hard to miss for anyone coming in, whether they are a visitor or an employee of RMSMC. Dated 1896 at the bottom of the frame, it shows seven students of Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts hunched over a table, poring over stacks of news text.

They’re one of the first editorial boards of The Rocky Mountain Collegian, and every day I walk into my office, I walk past them and, oftentimes, stop and examine the photograph.

It’s so significant to all of us at The Collegian that we even imitated it when shooting a cover photo for our April Fools’ edition last year, posing in the same style as the students in the photograph.

I often wonder about them, the people in the photograph: R.W. Hawley, editor in chief; R.T. Calkins, literary editor; A.S. McKee, business editor; H.O. Brown, society editor; J.M. Loud, local editor; T.V. Norgaard exchange editor; and B.A. Gage, advertising editor.

I frequently think: What were their lives like? Did they stay in Fort Collins once they graduated? What did they do with their lives? And possibly the thing I wonder most: What would they think about The Collegian if they could see it today?

As someone who cares a great deal both about history and what other people think, it sometimes seems like I can almost feel their eyes drifting off of the pages they’re

editing. It’s like they’re watching me march down the hall, off to edit pages and stories and corral ideas and staff members. That might sound intimidating. But to me, it’s comforting — there are 133 years of editorial boards behind us, and they stand with us with each day, through each difficulty. If I could meet anyone in history, the original editorial board of The Collegian cracks the top 10 list. I want to know so much — how did they secure those first few advertisers? What did the campus look like? And most pressingly, did they have any idea that their little paper — delayed several months to its initial publication — would still be a mainstay on campus 133 years later, start a journalism department and a student government and irrevocably interweave itself with campus culture?

Practically everything about Fort Collins and Colorado State University has changed, but The Collegian still stands. For those of us fortunate enough to be on the inside of it, the paper is like a secret club. At a conference recently, one of our editors and I met an old advisor of The Collegian. Giggly and giddy, we swapped stories and compared names, mostly then-staff members who are now professional connections. All of us smiled fondly while laughing about the trials and tribulations this paper puts us all through.

Every time any of us meet someone who either read or was a part of The Collegian during their time at CSU, it’s almost like meeting a long-lost cousin. Suddenly, we’re gossiping about late nights in the newsroom, laughing about various mishaps and sharing a certain

unspoken kinship; the kinship of those who have given everything they have to the cause of this paper. It takes a certain kind of person to devote themself to The Collegian, and all of us who love it understand that it’s not without sacrifices: the late nights in the office, the general lack of a social life, the inability to switch the journalist brain off even when the paper is put to print. A 2011 editorial for The Collegian’s birthday described the relationship some of the staff had with the paper akin to dating. For me, it’s more like I suddenly gained custody of a very needy child who has a complicated past who I’m not sure I’ll ever fully understand.

My first editor in chief described it as something we all talk about like it’s a “living sentient being,” but I see it more as a reflection of us. Over 133 years, students have

breathed life into a few slim pages. Over 133 years, this paper has harbored storytellers, graced their lives for a brief time and brought them together. The late nights, the adrenaline of chasing a story, the collective exhaustion around cups of coffee and the inside jokes have defined a home for 133 years of students — long before any of us were a thought. If we’ve done our jobs right, it’ll be around long after us as well.

Dec. 8 marks the 133rd birthday of The Rocky Mountain Collegian, and it’s hard to know how to properly celebrate the anniversary of something that feels so much like a gift to be a part of. I feel the weight of the 133 years every time I walk past that photograph, but I also understand how lucky I am to be leading something that has meant so much to so many people for such a large number of years.

So as Dec. 8 approaches, happy birthday, beautiful, infuriating, wonderful, chaotic, delightful, messy, challenging and ever-changing Collegian. It’s been the honor of my life thus far to be at your helm for this time.

Thank you for changing lives and telling stories.

With love, Allie Seibel, editor in chief Reach Allie Seibel at letters @collegian.com.

COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO

Healthy government-press relationship is exemplified

ASCSU, Collegian

By Sam Hutton @sam_hut14

It’s all too easy for college students to believe their challenges, achievements and world circumstances are unprecedented and entirely unique. The revolving door of the student population means those with the privilege of attending a four-year university have an exceedingly narrow and short-tenured view of their

college community, leaving much to learn from our past peers.

Dating to the 1920s, The Collegian’s comprehensive archive collection allows members of the Colorado State University community to reflect on our history, and from it, approach the next 150 years with renewed perspective. A November 1957 feature revealed this is nothing new, with Collegian reporter Lorene Tyler reviewing a 1906 publication to examine evolving fashion trends in CSU’s growing woman student population.

A gleaming — although not entirely representative — example of student life throughout the decades is The Collegian’s complex and, at times, tenuous relationship with the Associated Students of CSU. While each student government administration faces their own unique challenges and the government-press relationship evolves accordingly, in reality, the challenge to engage with, serve and advocate for the student body has remained constant for two of CSU’s largest student organizations.

This was first evident when The Collegian voiced its support to bring the existing student government

body, formed in 1917, into the fold of university administration in 1954, using its established campus presence to advocate for more fair and comprehensive representation of CSU’s post-war student population.

ASCSU previously oversaw aspects of student life outside of the academic sphere, including the campus bookstore and the Student Resolution Center. Unfortunately, editions of The Collegian from this period were lost in the 1997 Spring Creek flood.

However, archives from 1957 reveal that accompanying the administration-sponsored student government were the Independent Student Administration and the Associated Women Students.

Contrary to ASCSU’s current makeup of representatives from individual colleges, these organizations drew their membership from CSU’s residence hall population, representing students by grade level, with class administrations elected every fall.

While the ISA and AWS are long defunct, an AWS mission statement first published by The Collegian is undeniably familiar.

Having run on the Liberal Party ticket — another bygone aspect of

LORY STUDENT CENTER Winter Hours

student representation — the winning first-year class representatives took advantage of their allotted column inches to thank the members of the student body and outline their goals for office.

“One: Promote unity and spirit of the class,” the statement reads. “Two: Promote interest and enthusiasm for activities and traditions of the Aggies. Three: Form a cabinet with representatives from each dormitory. Four: Have money-making projects — the money is needed for future class-sponsored activities.”

These priorities remain shockingly similar to ASCSU’s current mission and more recent goals and initiatives, with student organization funding, equitable student representation and campus engagement continuing to serve as core motivations for ASCSU members. This was especially evident during the most recent ASCSU election cycle in March 2024, in which each ticket made student engagement, representation and funding a hallmark of their respective campaigns.

Read the full version of this article at collegian.com.

Reach Sam Hutton at news @collegian.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTESY OF CSU ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

RETROSPECTIVE

Looking back on history through The Collegian

By Aubree Miller @aubreem07

We depend on others to document history and keep it preserved, perhaps without really realizing it. That is what journalism is: something inexplicably intertwined with history. Journalism is keeping people informed. It is a responsibility shouldered by many who are often overlooked or underappreciated. However, when we look to the past, we see those who documented it for the sake of not just themselves but for all of us — at Colorado State University and beyond.

As a university newspaper, The Collegian has been documenting history — global, national and local — for 133 years. We have documented life-altering events and stayed through the aftermath of them for over a century. When the World Trade Center was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, Collegian editors and reporters worked to keep CSU’s campus and the surrounding community informed and share the stories and experiences of those impacted.

POLARIZATION PERIL

Rebecca Boyle, former editor in chief of The Collegian and current science reporter whose work has been featured in The New York Times and The Atlantic, wrote about a student whose sister was living in New York: Heather Stewart.

“Police cars, ambulances and sirens abounded as Stewart watched the remaining tower become engulfed in smoke and flames,” the story reads.

Current professor of communication at Stevenson University, Jeffrey Browne, advised and directed student media, including The Collegian, from 1999 to 2009. Browne recalled the paper’s coverage of 9/11 and how the staff worked on it.

“We had to take some time to just kind of decompress about, you know, how we were feeling, what was going on before we actually started going out on the campus and asking students, you know, what sort of connections they might have had to New York or how they were feeling themselves, and how they take care of themselves during all of that,” Browne said.

Another major event covered by The Collegian was the shooting at Columbine High School on April

20, 1999. Nik Olsen, who is currently CSU’s public information officer and crisis communications director, reported on it.

Olsen started at The Collegian in 1997. Following the Spring Creek flood, the student media office moved into what is now the University Center for the Arts and later moved back into the Lory Student Center. Following the move back to the LSC, Olsen said his most important story came from covering the shooting at Columbine.

“I interviewed my sister’s best friend, who was in the school at the time,” Olsen said. “I remember stepping outside for fresh air and waiting in the sculpture garden for her to call me back, not knowing if she was OK. I was so thankful to hear her voice and get her account.”

His highest profile story, however, was based on the 1999 Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver. Olsen was taking photos of the game when Denver police released tear gas into the crowd. His friend was talking to police and was arrested, Olsen said, and when he took photos of that interaction, he was also placed under arrest.

“After a night in downtown Denver jail, I spoke to the judge on an early Sunday morning,” Olsen said. “I told him what happened, and he released me with time served for failure to obey a lawful order misdemeanor. ... I ended up writing a column on this journalist adventure, and that garnered me a second-place national award.”

Allison Sylte, CSU’s senior PR specialist and writer, was editor in chief of The Collegian in 2012 and recalled one of the biggest events: a visit from the president of the United States.

“President (Barack) Obama came to campus, and that was pretty exciting,” Sylte said. Obama spoke on the Monfort Quad, according to Collegian coverage of the event.

A campus issue at that time was also the initial planning phases for the eventual reality of Canvas Stadium.

“It was really just conceptualizing what it would look like,” Sylte said. Reach Aubree Miller at news @collegian.com.

CSU experts discuss local journalism’s impact on political division

By Laila Shekarchian @csucollegian

As local newspapers disappear, communities are left with increased political polarization and a growing distrust of media and journalism.

In the current political climate, Colorado State University experts are stressing local journalism’s role in fostering trust, addressing community issues and reducing political polarization and division. Matthew Hitt, an associate political science professor at CSU, emphasized the importance of local newspapers and how they can impact elections.

“When a local community loses its paper, then the residents of that community are less likely to split their tickets between parties in subsequent elections,” Hitt said. “It’s not just polarization of feelings, it’s a polarization of actual voting outcomes that comes with losing your source of geographically based political news.”

Hitt said local newspapers serve a unique purpose, as they address issues that matter to residents regardless of political affiliation. By focusing on shared experiences like weather, housing or community events, local media helps build a sense of unity

among community members and shed light on their similarities rather than their differences.

Martín Carcasson, a communication studies professor and the founder and director of CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation, said local journalism can be more diverse than national coverage and provide information readers cannot get anywhere else.

“Local media can be a source of information that people aren’t getting elsewhere because national outlets don’t focus on local issues,” Carcasson said. “When addressing local issues, there’s a broader range of actors, local government, nonprofits and organizations offering different ways to solve problems.”

The inclusivity in local media coverage is unlike the more polarized framing used in national media coverage. Carcasson said many people now consume news from partisan outlets, deepening political division.

Hitt described an experiment conducted in Palm Springs, California, which highlighted the connection between national news exposure and increased political polarization.

During the experiment, a local newspaper removed all references to national politics from its opinion columns for one month and compared political polarization with a different local news outlet that continued to run national politics.

Hitt said political polarization stayed level in the community

where national politics weren’t being published, but it increased in the community where national politics were still being reported.

“We think this probably happened in part because we were talking about local issues,” Hitt said. “So in Palm Springs, they were talking about traffic; they were talking about housing; they were talking about biking; they were talking about building a minor league hockey arena. Emphasizing a crosscutting identity can turn down some of those polarized feelings. ... Maybe we don’t have to feel like I’m losing when the other side is gaining.”

Karrin Vasby Anderson, a CSU communication studies professor, added that the recent decline of local newspapers has driven readers to rely on partisan cable news sources and newer media platforms for information.

“As local newspapers shut down, people turned to partisan cable news sources that rely more heavily on infotainment and punditry and operate according to a business model that produces programming designed to keep audiences alarmed or outraged,” Anderson said.

Anderson explained how the shift to different news mediums, such as

social media, has led to increased political polarization as well.

“Many younger people avoid traditional news sources altogether, gleaning information from podcasts, social media and online communities,” Anderson said. “Both the messaging and the algorithmic dimensions of these alternative news sources often breed cynicism and distrust of news sources that don’t confirm people’s existing beliefs.”

Despite the challenges facing local journalism, experts remain hopeful and point to nonprofit models, such as The Colorado Sun, to rebuild the field as new media platforms evolve.

“I wouldn’t say that I’m totally pessimistic on local journalism — there are innovative models out there,” Hitt said. “I really like the Colorado Sun, which is a nonprofit online newspaper. ... I think that’s easily high quality political journalism.”

Hitt emphasized local journalism can improve and reduce polarization in today’s political climate as long as communities support it.

“If you want (local news) to exist, you have to support it,” Hitt said. “And as we support it, the product might get better.”

Reach Laila Shekarchian at news @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN

A collection of old newspapers from The Collegian archives Dec. 2. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

Breaking barriers in history: The Collegian’s history of strong woman leaders endures

By Allie Seibel

@allie_seibel_

The original 1891 editorial board of The Rocky Mountain Collegian featured two women: Celia May Southworth and Irene C. Edwards. Since then, hundreds have followed in their footsteps.

The Collegian, at the time, was merely following university early advancement in the field of women’s inclusion. Colorado Agricultural College, the first title of Colorado State University, opened in 1870. In 1874, the first graduating class featured three students, one of which was a woman, Libby Coy Lawrence, who received a Bachelor of Science from the handful of classes the university offered at the time.

By the time 1891 rolled around, when The Collegian was founded, the university began to admit more women and offer liberal arts courses, which were considered more “sensible” for women.

Southworth and Edwards were the first two women of The Collegian, with their names printed in typewriter text alongside their four male counterparts on the very

first masthead of The Collegian Edwards was the society editor, in charge of publishing marriages, social events and popular culture items. Southworth was the literary editor, a role focused on publishing poem and essay submissions to the paper.

Southworth in particular was considered to be a “feisty, intelligent advocate of college journalism,” according to “The Collegian’s First 100 Years,” a book published in 1991 to celebrate the paper’s 100th birthday. The book said Southworth believed women could compete in any field that a man was in, and that femininity was a source of power and not weakness; she believed happiness was the best key to beauty and that a circle of strong friends enhanced one’s courage.

“Every girl should have a higher ideal in life than marriage for social rank or position,” Southworth wrote in 1891. “She should base her standard of the opposite sex on strength of mind and purity of morals. The safe way is to choose as friends this who are brave and noble enough to rise above the social rottenness of the day.”

Southworth believed governance and policy lacked womanly qualities and called for women’s involvement

in government to promote “eternal truth and justice.”

Southworth is often considered to be the original woman voice of The Collegian, keeping in touch with the paper years after her graduation through letters and poems that were published.

Following Southworth’s trailblazing footsteps, dozens more strong women leaders followed at The Collegian. Mayme Pendergast was the first woman editor in chief in 1896-97. Nellie Beach followed suit in 1903-04. Elizabeth H. D’Amour and Cozette Hapney, editors in chief in 1913-14 and 1943-44, respectively, stood at the helm and safeguarded the pages during World War I and II. In 1934, the entire editorial board was almost all woman-run, with the exception of the features editor.

These names represent 133 years of intelligent, trailblazing women at The Collegian who have enacted real change at CSU. In 1945, copy editor Jean Herdman suggested the idea of CAM the Ram, our enduring mascot. In 1955, Connie Shoemaker, managing editor, was upset that a journalism department did not exist at CSU. Her husband, Floyd Shoemaker, was serving as an editor, and together, they contacted

high school journalism students for a visit to CSU, which pressured the university to create the department, of which Floyd Shoemaker was the very first chair.

The Collegian has forged the path for women in media since its inception. Today, women make up 46% of journalists, according to Pew Research Center. A study by Reuters found that 24% of the top newsroom positions are women.

In recent history, The Collegian has been almost entirely woman-dominated from the top down, with more woman editorial staff members and editors in chief.

Allison Sylte served as editor in chief of The Collegian for the 2012 fall semester. Sylte currently works as a public relations writer and senior specialist for CSU Marketing and Communications.

“If you mess up, obviously people will call you out on it,” Sylte said of her time at The Collegian. “And I think that’s cool. Looking back in my time at The Collegian, I think what was unique about it — and earlier in my career — was it was back when the internet was fun. ...

So I remember our team found out, like, learned what (Search Engine Optimization) was, and so we were writing (stories with) really (high) SEOs and pieces, and we were looking at analytics.”

Sylte started as a staff reporter her first year year before becoming news editor her sophomore year, content managing editor her junior year and editor in chief for a semester her senior year before pursuing an internship.

Sylte said her first thoughts upon getting the job were “don’t screw this up,” in relation to the history of the publication but said the job experience gave her a unique connection to the campus community.

“I think I had an idea of what was happening on campus that I would not have had if I weren’t working in a newsroom, which is really cool,” Sylte said. “Specifically as a woman, I think it’s good to develop a sense of how to be a leader and how to be an assertive early in your career.

I think the lessons I’ve learned in managing a team and making sometimes hard decisions really did help me just as I moved on in my professional career, and I think,

too, readers are a little more critical toward women.”

Another one of The Collegian’s many former woman editors in chief is Allison Sherry, who served as editor at the turn of the century, from 1999 to 2000. Sherry is currently Colorado Public Radio’s justice reporter after six years as a Washington, D.C., correspondent for both The Denver Post and the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

When Sherry started at The Collegian, the publication did not hire first-years. Sherry was eager to join the publication nonetheless and asked her first editor-in-chief for a role “basically doing anything.”

“(My first editor) was super nice and kind of became a really good friend and mentor,” Sherry said. “And she did let me work. So I got a job as a reporter that year, and it was really fun. I didn’t have a car, so I was striding around town and on my bike and trying to do stories. It sort of set the scene for me.”

When Sherry became editor in chief her senior year, she said her experiences as a first-year year influenced how she guided her staff.

“Going into leadership at The Collegian, I wanted to be inspirational to people who were younger than me,” Sherry said. “When I was a Collegian editor in chief, you know, (I was) trying to be a good leader for everybody who worked there, doing things that I am still proud of, like ... putting together an editorial board, which we hadn’t had before, ... and hiring the woman who was the editor of opinion pages. She was Muslim, and that was fun to bring her on board because we hadn’t ever had a face or a voice like that to run the op-eds, and she wrote her own op-eds too.”

In Sherry’s career, most of her mentors have been men, but she emphasized the special touch women bring to leadership roles.

“I just I think women, sometimes ... tend to be a little bit more empathetic, and I think they make decisions sometimes a little different than men,” Sherry said. “I do appreciate the talks of newsrooms run by women. The Denver Post is one, ... and I think that there is a little bit of a sixth sense that women have sometimes that men just kind of don’t see.”

Reach Allie Seibel at life @collegian.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

SERVICE EDUCATION

CSU’s ROTC reinforces tradition, dedication to US military

By Leah Stephenson @csucollegian

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps has been — and will continue to be — a stalwart part of Colorado State University. Cadets at CSU have trained to serve the United States Armed Forces for over 100 years and continue to charge forward with social change and the latest training for the modern era. Not only is this program yielding officers, but it also provides unique experiences to cadets and the CSU campus through programming and events.

The ROTC was founded in 1916 as a part of the passage of the National Defense Act. The basic drills and military practices for civilian students at CSU were already in the making in 1883 when Charles L. Ingersoll, the second president of CSU, formed a drill team of students. Later in 1884, Lt. Vasa E. Stolbrand took charge of the drill team and began teaching military basics.

“The few men who signed up for the course were taught basic infantry tactics and maneuvers,” the CSU ROTC history page reads. “The cadet battalion acted as a fire-fighting team and fired salutes and appeared in ceremonies and parades.”

Sgt. 1st Class Amran Moore said the ROTC program modernizes as the U.S. Army modernizes.

“We try to change our curriculum to fit (what is going on in the world) so that it fits these leaders with how they’re going to be integrated into the force outside of ROTC,” Moore said. “It’s always changing.”

The curriculum is focused on how to lead effectively in the army.

“What we teach them here is army policies, army regulations,” Moore said. “We’re pretty much grading them on their character on becoming future leaders.”

Even though changes continue to happen, the core of the program is still fairly traditional. Lt. Col. Matthew Tillman said the

people in the program and the perspective on those people have changed more than the curriculum itself.

“The demographic has changed,” Tillman said. “When I was a cadet, it was fairly novel to have a female cadet, and now we are about 40% female inside the organization.”

Tillman was a student and cadet at CSU from 2000-04. Since his time as a cadet in ROTC, he said the demographic has changed along with the standards to which students are held.

“If I’m honest, I think we’re harder on them now,” Tillman said. “We expect more of them. We expect them to be better humans than we did.”

Despite high expectations, cadets in the program have expressed gratitude for the opportunities presented by the ROTC program. Cadet Battalion Commander Abby Herold has been part of the ROTC since fall 2022.

As battalion commander, Herold has attained the highest student rank in the ROTC program. She said her overall experience has been “incredible,” and because she helped plan the Border War with Wyoming, she had the opportunity to meet one of her idols.

Herold’s idol is none other than retired Col. Dorothy Clark, who was the first woman cadet at Colorado State University. Clark joined the ROTC program in 1971 and paved the way for women to follow in her footsteps.

“I met her on the field, and I got to present her a flag,” Herold said. “It felt so full circle for me. (I’m) super happy that women now have the opportunity to continue that change. I will never forget that.”

Clark isn’t the only honorable CSU alumna. CSU has four alumni who received the Medal of Honor. Four-star Gen. Lewis William Walt graduated from CSU in 1936 with a degree focused in chemistry and later became a general in the Marine Corps. CSU is also the alma mater of the former commander of the United States

Space Command, Gen. James H. Dickinson.

Such successful military leaders come from a program that nurtures and takes care of its students. Herold said the cadre at CSU works hard to enrich the learning of their students.

Support from the university is necessary to uphold the ROTC program. Tillman said the university embraces their program and their traditions.

“Gosh, President (Amy) Parsons participated in the cadet tradition of running the ball last week,” Tillman

“Our cadre truly do so much to go out of their way to let us have these incredible experiences, like going to the mountains for an actual (field training exercise), competing in the Ranger Challenge and doing the Bronze Boot,” Herold said. “I’m so thankful for this program. It’s done so much for me.”

said. “I don’t know what other president would run a game ball.”

At the end of the day, the program wouldn’t be what it is without the cadets themselves.

“I think we’re on an upward trend here without a doubt,” Tillman said. “They’re great students, and they’re great Americans who are committed to doing this very well.”

Reach Leah Stephenson at life @collegian.com.

Quinn Schneider, a former Colorado State University Army ROTC student, wears a flight helmet equipped with night-vision goggles in front of a helicopter parked on the CSU Intramural Fields Nov. 13, 2021. The helicopter was requisitioned by the CSU Army ROTC to make an appearance for military appreciation day as well as CSU’s football game against the United States Air Force Academy

PHOTO BY GARRETT MOGEL THE COLLEGIAN

Diving into protest history on CSU’s campus through Collegian archives

By Ella Dorpinghaus @csucollegian

Along with the rest of the nation, Colorado State University’s campus has been rocked by election year controversy. From immigration to inflation and the ongoing IsraelHamas war, students have proven to be involved and politically active. It’s part of the college experience: Students nationwide are encouraged to play an active role in politics.

“I have seen protests on campus,” political science student Lucas Toth said. “Some of them include Christian-related preaches, gay rights and one about Gaza. I think campuses are more politically active than in the past.”

As institutions of information, colleges and universities often grapple with questions related to the First Amendment. CSU even has an entire website dedicated to helping students navigate the First Amendment on campus. The page encourages students to exercise their right to free speech, something echoed throughout CSU’s history.

Political science student Madeline Kippes pointed to the unique culture in college as a main reason why students are so politically active.

“Aside from college being the first time many students are on their own, I think that the culture of the university itself heavily plays into the subjects and types of protests,” Kippes said.

Records of The Collegian show that protest and political discourse have always been an important part of life as a Ram. One edition from March 1893 encouraged political debate by reminding students to

join a literary club because “no better training can be had than by debating and speaking off hand before our own classmates.”

As the college grew in the late 19th century, The Collegian saw an increased following and expanded its publication to cover more global topics. Local, public sources like The Collegian archives provide a snapshot into daily life at CSU throughout the years.

During times of crisis, news articles provide reassurance and clarity to the student body. While

no formal mentions of protest appear in early editions of The Collegian, it is clear that CSU’s campus has long been full of strong political opinions and controversy.

An article from May 23, 1934, detailed a meeting in Ammons Hall where a German exchange student defended the Nazi regime in a discussion. The article reported that the student spent the majority of the time answering questions and defending his position.

The Red Scare and the Cold War brought challenges of their own to CSU’s campus. During this time, The Collegian articles focused on the events happening worldwide but also stressed the need for a united campus.

Political ideology and culture is reflected in the way reporters covered topics of the day.

A January 1932 edition of The Collegian praised the American education system for its ability to prevent communist groups from forming. The article heralded the effort from colleges and universities as a more acceptable form of rebellion than protest.

A little over 30 years later during the Vietnam War, a Collegian article

reported on student-led, anti-war protests that involved coordinated draft resistance among young men, which is just one example of numerous student-led protests in the ‘60s and ‘70s. When the Vietnam anti-war movement gained even more traction later on, 1,300 students gathered on The Oval to protest U.S. involvement in Vietnam as reported in a Collegian article from 1969.

Perhaps the most dramatic example of Collegian protest coverage is an editorial that was published in 2007, which simply stated, “Taser this . . . FUCK BUSH.” This editorial landed The Collegian in national headlines and raised questions about free speech among student-run newspapers.

Today, The Collegian continues its coverage of hot button, controversial topics. As national crises continue to unfold, college campus culture evolves and the Biden administration finishes its term, communicating across party lines remains important.

Public spaces like the Lory Student Center Plaza and The Oval provide important spaces for students to engage in debate and conversation.

Reach Ella Dorpinghaus at life@collegian.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

SPORTS

CSU basketball’s Ethan Morton finds impact beyond boxscore

“Ethan’s the kind of player who makes everyone else better. It’s not just about what he does — it’s how he helps the team succeed.”

KEN

DEWEESE ASSISTANT BASKETBALL COACH

By Michael Hovey @michaelfhovey

Ethan Morton’s journey at Colorado State isn’t defined by accolades or highlight reels but by the steady impact he’s made as a player and a leader.

In his final year of college basketball, the graduate guard has seamlessly blended his experience, work ethic and selflessness to elevate the Rams’ program. Known for his defensive tenacity and unselfish play, Morton’s influence is felt most in the quiet moments — the ones that don’t show up on the stat sheet but speak volumes about his value to the team.

“I just wanted to find a place where I could succeed and enjoy my last year,” Morton said. “The coaches here believed in me as a player and a person. Once I got to know them and the guys, it felt like the right spot.”

Morton’s decision to transfer came after a challenging senior season at Purdue, where limited

playing time overshadowed his contributions. At CSU, the staff saw beyond the stat sheet, recognizing the value of his experience and versatility. Assistant coach Ken DeWeese, who joined the program after Morton’s arrival, quickly came to appreciate what the veteran guard brings to the Rams.

“Ethan’s maturity is incredible,” DeWeese said. “He’s seen it all in college basketball. Whether it’s on the court or in the locker room, his presence is immeasurable. He’s the guy who helps others see the play before it happens.”

That maturity has been crucial for a CSU team integrating several new faces this season. Morton’s ability to lead — both vocally and by example — has set the tone in practice and games alike.

“You’ll see him in a game, always talking, always directing,” DeWeese said. “What you don’t see is how he pulls a younger guy aside in practice and says, ‘Here’s what you need to do.’ He’s been through every situation, so he knows what works.”

Morton’s impact extends beyond leadership. At 6 feet, 7 inches tall, he’s a defensive force capable of guarding anyone, from shifty point guards to physical forwards. That versatility allows CSU to switch defensive schemes without hesitation, knowing Morton can handle any assignment.

“The cool thing about Ethan as a defender is his size and athleticism,” DeWeese said. “One night, he’s guarding a 5-foot-10 point guard; the next, it’s a 6-foot-7 forward. His versatility gives us so many options.”

On offense, Morton’s game is equally selfless. Known more for his playmaking than scoring, he thrives in finding the right pass or making the right cut to open up opportunities for his teammates.

“Some of the things he does doesn’t show up in the box score,” DeWeese said. “But if you really watch him, you’ll see it. He’s got a feel for the game that’s special.”

For Morton, the focus this season is on fine-tuning his offensive game, particularly his shooting, and

embracing a leadership role in his final collegiate campaign.

“I want to shoot the ball better, be more confident on offense and just keep making plays,” Morton said. “But more than anything, I want to be a good teammate and help the younger guys grow.”

Casual fans might overlook Morton when scanning stat sheets, but those who watch closely will see his fingerprints all over CSU’s effect. He’s the player who makes the extra pass, cuts at the right time and locks down the opposing team’s best scorer. It’s a style of play that reflects his team-first mentality and work ethic.

“Ethan’s the kind of player who makes everyone else better,” DeWeese said. “It’s not just about what he does — it’s how he helps the team succeed.”

As Morton approaches the end of his college career, he’s savoring each moment, knowing it’s his last chance to compete at this level.

“You definitely feel the significance of it being your last year,” Morton said. “But I’m just

trying to take it one day at a time, enjoy the process and make the most of it.”

For the Rams, Morton’s presence has been transformative. In a season filled with talent and potential, he’s the steadying force ensuring the pieces come together.

It may not always be flashy, but his contributions are the heartbeat of a team with big aspirations.

Fellow graduate guard Bowen Born has benefitted from his companionship more than most.

“He’s a great guy,” Born said.

“People have seen him, you know, out on the court — you see his leadership. But yeah, he’s just a super amazing person. So I really lucked out with my roommate.”

In Fort Collins, Morton has found his moment. It’s not about personal accolades or gaudy numbers. It’s about leaving a legacy built on selflessness, leadership and the unshakable belief that success is measured by the impact you have on those around you.

Reach Michael Hovey at sports @collegian.com.

Ethan Morton shoots a layup during the Colorado State University basketball exhibition game against Adams State University Oct. 30. CSU won 90-74. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

CURTAIN CALL

SPORTS Collegian roundtable discusses CSU volleyball postseason awards

By The Sports Desk @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: All opinion content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

As the Colorado State volleyball season is coming off a Mountain West championship, it’s time to determine this year’s Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

Sophie Webb, Devin Imsirpasic, Damon Cook, Adam Gross and Sophia Schaller of The Collegian’s sports desk discussed CSU volleyball’s biggest difference makers throughout this season.

MVP Cook: Malaya Jones. Although Jones had her struggles in the Mountain West tournament, she has been by far the best player in the entire conference all season long. Hopefully you got to watch her in Moby Arena because we’ve been fortunate to witness an all-time great Ram in action this season.

Webb: Malaya Jones. Although known for being an offensive beast, she is one of the highest

on the team ranked in defense play. The name Jones is known by many, especially for having one of the hardest and fastest hits within the MW.

Schaller: Malaya Jones. Her excellence on the court shows no bounds, as her insane number of kills this season alone leaves you starstruck. She is well-known by everyone, an amazing team player and an all-around strong and confident player.

Gross: Emery Herman. Without the setting expertise of Herman, Jones does not rack up the kills. Herman is the catalyst of the Rams’ offense. When the team needs a momentum shift, she’s there to dump a set over the net to notch another kill of her own. Also, she is third in blocks behind Karina Leber and Naeemah Weathers. Herman does it all. It’s not always flashy, but it gets the job done.

Imsirpasic: Malaya Jones. Jones has been amazing all season long, and what she brings to the floor every night is something that cannot be replicated. Jones leads the Mountain West in kills — No. 12 in the nation — and she is the star of the show for a first place Rams team. When she enters her flow state and gets going, she is unstoppable with her high-flying ability, heaps of power on her spikes and ability to dissect an opposing defense so well.

Offensive Player of the Year

Cook: Malaya Jones. See above. Webb: Naeemah Weathers. Although Jones is ranked top in the team for kills, there is no denying Weathers’ talent. She leads second with kills, sitting at 278, and is one of the main reasons CSU is able to stay positive in stressful situations. She is the team’s main hype leader, attracting younger girls to the games who look up to her while she slams every ball down.

Schaller: Naeemah Weathers. Known and loved, Weathers is the ultimate hype woman for this team. Her consistent energy and power shine on the court, making her a force to be reckoned with. She has racked up an impressive number of kills, and any opponent should hate to see her coming.

Gross: Malaya Jones. Jones will end her Rams’ career as one of the most dominant offensive players in CSU history. Her attacking propelled the Rams to first in the conference for hitting percentage.Jones is exactly what a volleyball team needs on offense: pure aggression.

Imsirpasic: Malaya Jones. Leading the Mountain West in kills, Jones was the obvious choice for me to repeat as OPOY.

Defensive

Player of

Cook: Kate Yoshimoto. If you remember back to the beginning of the season, the Rams’ defense struggled mightily. Some of it certainly was the prestige of their foes, but when Yoshimoto finally returned to the court, that’s when the CSU defense picked things up. She led the team in kills this season and got the offense going.

Webb: Kate Yoshimoto. Following an incredible comeback after sustaining an injury, Yoshimoto is an incredible digger, potentially one of the reasons CSU stepped out of their slump from the beginning of the year. She had a total of 335 digs this season — which comes as no surprise as libero — picking down every ball the opposing offense put down.

Schaller: Kate Yoshimoto. Following her return, Yoshimoto strived to make it seem like she never left, picking right back up where she left off last season. Her digs ensure the ball never touches the ground, acting as a supportive base for the rest of her team and helping them get back up.

Gross: Karina Leber. Leber uses every bit of her height to her advantage. Stopping the ball at the net is the definition of good defense, but even more, good offense.

Imsirpasic: Kate Yoshimoto. Yoshimoto is a powerhouse in the conference with digs, and those all seem to come at impeccable times.

She is the foundation of this team, and her ability to play at the second level of the Rams’ line of defense and pick up so many balls that look like sure points give the Rams such a big boost yearlong.

Newcomer of the Year

Cook: Maria Brun. Brun has been the electric opposite of Jones. She’s come into form in conference play and looks comfortable, bringing another element to the beast of a front that CSU volleyball already has.

Webb: Maria Brun. If someone attends a CSU volleyball game, there is no doubt they will hear Brun’s name over the speaker. As a first year, she is a dominating force on the court, and it is inevitable she will grow in her future, carrying the Rams when they lose so many key players this year.

Schaller: Maria Brun. Brun shows so much promise and energy as a first year, plus her confidence on the court proves that she has what it takes to fulfill a bigger role next year.

Imsirpasic: Maria Brun. Brun shows up whenever called upon and works perfectly as a counter to Malaya Jones’ high-flying abilities. The first-year hits with great power, and her standout performances from this year have set her up to play a large role in years to come.

Reach The Sports Desk at sports @collegian.com.

Colorado State University’s volleyball team celebrates their first-place championship after beating San Jose State University in the Mountain West tournament Nov. 30. CSU won 3-1.

PHOTO BY SOPHIE WEBB THE COLLEGIAN

By Gideon Aigner @gideonaigner

The last time Wellington Middle-High School won a state championship in football was in 1953. That streak continues for at least one more year.

On Nov.30,the Wellington Eagles lost the 2A state championship 4236 in heartbreaking fashion to The Classical Academy Titans at Dutch Clark Stadium in Pueblo, Colorado. Despite this loss, the Eagles are optimistic about next season.

Wellington, in its current iteration, is just over two years old. The original closed its doors in 1964, and all students started being bussed to Poudre High School in Fort Collins.

When the new school reopened, it allowed rising sophomores at Poudre, like Cash Altschwager, to transfer in with the first-year students. As a senior, Altschwager ended his career as a twoway threat in a state championship.

“This was the second best-case scenario for a state championship,”

Wellington football’s wings clipped in 2A state championship loss

Altschwager said following the loss.

“It wasn’t one-sided where people can say someone else should’ve been in there. … It was just so close that whole time.”

Very few could argue the Eagles didn’t earn their place at the table.

Wellington came into the playoffs as the No. 9 seed out of 16, having to travel for their first-round matchup.

On their way to the championship, they defeated No. 1 Strasburg, No. 8

Delta and No. 13 Eaton. Wellington players, coaches and fans felt this team had been disrespected.

During the championship itself, Wellington held on tight. The Eagles went down early with a 14-point deficit six minutes into the second quarter. This would change with junior quarterback Tanner Gray heaving a pass to Altschwager to make it 14-7. After allowing another Titans’ touchdown, another scoring

connection was made by Gray when he threw into double coverage to firstyear Brayton Meglen, making it a onescore game heading into halftime.

SPORTS

to drive down the field until there were 41 seconds left.

“After seeing this, everyone’s pretty motivated. I need to step up even more and set an example so that next year we don’t have this feeling.”

TANNER GRAY

WELLINGTON QUARTERBACK

This game continued to go back and forth until the 4:35 mark in the fourth quarter. Down 27-35, Gray ran in a touchdown on a QB keeper, bringing the Eagles within one.

Altschwager took the handoff to score the conversion, making it 36-35 for the Eagles. Wellington allowed TCA

A controversial call came when Wellington’s Teagen Greiman knocked the ball loose — although it was called down — and TCA scored, taking a 42-36 lead. Gray took further deep shots but was intercepted with two seconds left to end the Eagles’ first state championship run in 70 years.

Despite the loss, Gray said he believes that this team will continue to rise.

“I think we have a lot to come next year,” Gray said. “We’ve got good guys coming up, and everyone’s going to do their job. After seeing this, everyone’s pretty motivated. I need to step up even more and set an example so that next year we don’t have this feeling.”

With only four seniors starting this season, the Eagles believe the sky’s the limit moving forward.

“I believe in all these boys for next year,” Altschwager said. “They’re going to make another run. … I’d put the whole house on it. It’s going to be special.”

Reach Gideon Aigner at sports @collegian.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETICS

Past meets future in research preservation, innovation

1. The history of Colorado State University is housed within the CSU Archives & Special Collections Nov. 22. Among these collections are a wide array of unique items, including rare books, the diaries of former university presidents and more. The collections are carefully preserved and often aid in research at CSU.

PHOTO BY HANNAH PARCELLS THE COLLEGIAN

2. The CSU Archives & Special Collections preserve unique archival materials for CSU Nov. 22. This Babylonian cone is etched with cuneiform and originates from 2060 BC.

PHOTO BY HANNAH PARCELLS THE COLLEGIAN

3. CSU Ph.D. student André Araujo studies herbicide resistance, testing four different mixtures that he created to examine the resistance level of each mixture to the weed Dec. 2. He goes through an extensive process of planting, labeling, spraying and examining the weed for scientific research.

PHOTO BY RUBY SECREST THE COLLEGIAN

4. The Prototype Lab within the Nancy Richardson Design Building on CSU’s main campus provides students with access to cuttingedge tools and technologies to turn design ideas into reality Dec. 1. This Juki TL-2200QVP Quilter allows for intricate quilt designs to be made.

PHOTO BY HANNAH PARCELLS THE COLLEGIAN

5. Cheyenne Fire Rescue firefighter Lt. Brent Osborne participates in CSU’s Human Performance Clinical Research Laboratory’s Heart Disease Prevention Program Dec. 2. He retires at the end of the month.

PHOTO BY RUBY SECREST THE COLLEGIAN

6. CSU research associate Lucas Soares Rosa works in the greenhouse of the Weed Research Laboratory Dec. 2. He plants and labels multiple plants for research throughout the day.

PHOTO BY RUBY SECREST THE COLLEGIAN

7. The Charles Maurer Herbarium Collection is tucked away on the first floor of the Anatomy/Zoology Building on CSU’s main campus Dec. 2. The collection of plant specimens is open to the public and used for botanical research. “When we go to an area that’s maybe under documented, or we’re doing a survey, or we’re looking for something in particular, like a rare plant or a voucher for a research study, we have to make a specimen so that we document what was at that place at that time,” Herbarium Curator Jennifer Ackerfield said.

PHOTO BY HANNAH PARCELLS THE COLLEGIAN

SCIENCE

DARE programs promote innovation through intersectional lens

By Katie Fisher @csucollegian

The technicalities of economics and agricultural disciplines collide in Colorado State University’s department of agricultural and resource economics. Housed in the College of Agricultural Sciences, the discipline approaches problems through an all-encompassing lens.

“In the department, we really think about applied economic questions specifically related to natural resources and agricultural production, from land use and water use and natural resource use all the way through (agriculture) production, food production, food consumption, to policymakers,” said Hayley Chouinard, DARE head and professor.

Economics, while traditionally defined as the study of production, distribution and consumption of goods, has an specific definition within the department.

“The definition of economics is the allocation of scarce resources,” DARE Professor Dana Hoag said.

“People think it’s about money, but that is not really what it is. It’s like choosing what you want to do with water or air or soil. … What (our department) does is we

DR. TOMORROW

apply economics to help answer those questions.”

Four majors are offered within the department: environmental and natural resource economics, agricultural business, agricultural education and livestock business management. Continued educational opportunities are also available through three master’s degrees and a Ph.D. program.

Across all programs, sustainability is a primary focus, as is the economic practice of accounting for all potential variables.

“We think about financial sustainability as well as environmental sustainability as well as social sustainability,” Chouinard said. “So we care about not just money and not just the environment, but how it affects people as well.”

Social sustainability is seen in the agricultural education program, which hosts two concentrations: agricultural literacy and secondary teacher development.

Livestock business management originally launched in fall 2023 and is the second joint major to be offered on campus. In this collaboration between DARE and the department of animal sciences, students take a mixture of classes in which they gain an understanding of livestock physicality along with business practices.

Regardless of their degree, all students within the program are introduced to the five DARE Student Outcomes in their introductory course. Each student is also paired with a mentor who helps them meet the five outcomes.

“Every student should come out proficient in professional development skills (and) technical competency, which is specific to their major,” Chouinard said.

Junior Alyssa McHugh said the positive trajectory established by the introductory course is long lasting as students move through their programs.

“One of the biggest takeaways I had was through (AREC 192),” McHugh said. “Chouinard took the time to memorize every person’s name as we went through their first eight weeks in that class, and that was huge. It shows the impact of how much they truly care about the students going through that program.”

The department actively collaborates with outside entities and organizations on research, which Chouinard noted aligns with the university’s land-grant mission.

“Our research is applied and is directed towards some sort of stakeholder or external partner,” Chouinard said. “So that might be a water conservation board or a land

trust, or it might be policy makers or farmers or stores, retails, grocery stores, … so the general public is always a stakeholder for us as well.”

Through relationships formed with outside organizations and stakeholders, students have several internship and professional opportunities. The CSU Extension Summer Internship Program, which originated in DARE, offers over 75 internships annually by pairing students with CSU faculty and extension employees across the state.

The broad reach of the department extends into research, which focuses on four overarching topics: agricultural and food

systems economics, environmental and natural resource economics, rural development economics and agricultural education.

Each focus area is further divided into subdisciplines, such as food labeling, livestock production and local food economies in food systems, or rural-urban linkages and agricultural value chains in rural development studies. Many professors also cross-collaborate between focuses, a quality Chouinard noted as unique to CSU’s DARE program.

Read the full version of this article at collegian.com.

Reach Katie Fisher at science @collegian.com.

Shaping the future: CSU’s veterinary medicine program trains through innovation

By Laila Shekarchian @csucollegian

Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has a rich history of advancing veterinary education by blending new technologies, cutting-edge research and hands-on experience.

Originally founded in 1883, the program has grown into one of the nation’s top-ranked veterinary schools, now sitting at No. 2 in the nation according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The program’s continued innovation and commitment to the future of veterinary medicine reflects its legacy of excellence and defines its contribution to the veterinary profession.

“We have such a good, robust program, and we place so much emphasis on research that a lot of the content we do learn is keeping up with the field,” said Téa Ned, doctor of veterinary medicine student and president of CSU’s Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Even though the curriculum has stayed relatively the same, the content of the curriculum is still in tune with how rapidly progressing the profession is.”

One thing that sets CSU apart from other veterinary programs is the timeline in which students can begin clinical work and apply their knowledge to the real world.

“Something that I loved about CSU was that you start handson clinical work your third year, whereas in a lot of programs, you don’t get in the clinics until your fourth year,” DVM student Rebecca Williamson said.

In addition to early hands-on learning opportunities, an important piece of CSU’s veterinary program is its innovative technological training

and advanced research methods, from virtual reality anesthesia programs to virtual anatomy tools.

“They introduced a new VR program to us, ... and that was super interesting because it really is an exact replica of what we’re going to be doing in real life,” Ned said. “They have an entire virtual anatomy program that was really helpful during my first year. ... I use it even to this day.”

While the current curriculum is incorporating new technology, the College of VMBS is working on completely rebuilding its curriculum to cater to the changing needs of the veterinary field.

“We are probably the first vet school in a long, long time that has been able to completely reinvent our curriculum, and not only reinvent the curriculum, but build a facility to house everything new that we want to do,” said Matthew Johnston, veterinary medicine professor and co-chair of the DVM curriculum renewal committee.

In addition to renewing its curriculum, the College of VMBS is building a brand-new facility to expand its services, implement newer practices and technology and increase class sizes to address the veterinary shortage in the U.S.

“We are all really, really excited about (the new facility),” Williamson said. “I give tours at the teaching hospital, and whether it’s prospective students or donors or just people in the area, they’re all asking about it, and it’s going to be really amazing. And for all of the vet student years to be in the same building, I think we’re all really excited about that.”

Beyond technology, CSU’s program prioritizes communication in veterinary medicine and implements it into the core curriculum — a skill that is often overlooked in the field.

Read the full version of this article at collegian.com.

Reach Laila Shekarchian at science@collegian.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

SONIC SENSATIONS

CSU musician develops sounds of straight-ahead jazz

By Ruby Secrest @csucollegian

Colorado State University is a multifaceted campus. With highly acclaimed STEM, veterinary medicine and agricultural programs, oftentimes, programs such as music and art can be overshadowed. But the department of music at CSU has not allowed itself to be held back in the process.

Damian Lesperance-Young is a current senior in the CSU music department who will be graduating this upcoming spring semester.

The young musician first fell in love with playing instruments in his elementary school music class, and while that was a third-grade class and a recorder was the instrument of choice, Lesperance-Young has gone on to be a multitalented musician and a highly regarded student.

While Lesperance-Young began playing instruments like the viola and recorder, he found his passion lies with the saxophone. He still actively plays

and practices the piano, flute and clarinet.

CSU’s music program has multiple areas of concentration along with highly acclaimed professors. Professors such as Wil Swindler and Peter Sommer have fostered Lesperance-Young’s passions during his time at CSU.

“They’ve both been huge mentors and huge influences,”

Lesperance-Young said. “They’ve both given me so much guidance about how I should approach playing music and writing music.”

Connections like these not only teach students important core values within the arts but also enable them to find their own artistic style.

“I’ve learned how to accept and be in the moment while also having discipline, which was something that I used to lack,” LesperanceYoung said. “They showed me how to have discipline without going too far while also showing me how to maintain ease, fun and artistry.”

Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance with a concentration in jazz performance, he has been able to learn and grow as well

as turn his passion into a promising career pathway.

Lesperance-Young has played for on-campus TED Talks as well as the Fall 2024 Dance Concert, giving him an opportunity to showcase himself as an artist in multiple different settings. He has even been able to play on cruise ships for the past two summers, and from this, has been able to play along the Caribbean Islands and Northern Europe.

Lesperance-Young is a lover of jazz and has expanded his love for the genre by writing his own music within it. The musician estimates that he has now written about 10 pieces and plans to continue writing music in the future.

Not only has the program allowed him to explore himself as a person and a musician, but it has also shown him what he values in a musical partner and collaborator.

“The nature of existing and gaining experience by doing has taught me a lot about myself,” Lesperance-Young said. “I have learned so much about where my interests lay, specifically with music, and a lot about collaborating and what qualities I like to work with.”

Reach Ruby Secrest at entertainment @collegian.com.

“

The nature of existing and gaining experience by doing has taught me a lot about myself. I have learned so much about where my interests lay, specifically with music, and a lot about collaborating and what qualities I like to work with.”

DAMIAN LESPERANCE-YOUNG CSU JAZZ PERFORMANCE STUDENT

Opinion desks offer students a voice

By Dominique Lopez @caffeinateddee6

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

As someone who has predominately worked on an opinion desk for just about seven years, I have always found it to be the best outlet for me to get out all of my frustrations and thoughts. And that even played a large role in my decision to go to Colorado State University in the first place.

In case you never read my description for The Collegian or don’t remember it, one of the biggest things I wanted to implement into the opinion desk when I took over as editor was a

“Being a part of the opinion desk has created a great opportunity for me to develop and learn how to use my voice as well as help others share their voices. In our journalism classes, it is often hard for us to be able to flex our opinion writing skills without being told the biases that exist within a piece need to be removed.”

diverse and broad range of student voices. Oftentimes, this means publishing and editing content I know could cause controversy or not align with the vast majority of our student population.

But that is the beauty of the opinion desk. It gives an opportunity for those voices to be shared and for people’s voices to be published for all to read, despite the fact that we are such a large university.

The opportunity for a writer of this independent college publication to be given a voice, no matter the topic, is limitless — as long as they can put their fingers on a keyboard and write. But this isn’t limited to just those who work for us. There is an opportunity provided by our publication to any campus community member through the submission of a letter to the editor.

The idea of writing a piece that is published online for anyone to see may be an intimidating task.

As someone who started writing for a small, local paper that was only circulated in the San Luis Valley, it was intimidating to know that my work would be published on the internet for anyone to see. It wasn’t until my first year with The Collegian was up that I

As writers, we have an opportunity to speak out regarding whatever topic we feel most needs to be addressed, whether that is our current thoughts on our political climate, speaking out against the university, a sex column for our avid readers or even a satirical piece just to mix it up a bit. There is always a reason for the piece to be published, and that reason is that we are students who have been given a voice in the world.

finally began to understand the importance and rare opportunity I had as a journalist with this specific publication.

Being a part of the opinion desk has created a great opportunity for me to develop and learn how to use my voice as well as help others share their voice. In our journalism classes, it is often hard for us to flex our opinion writing skills without being told the biases that exist within a piece need to be removed.

Therefore, opinion desks create the utmost amount of importance for us as students to begin to find that we do in fact have a voice, story or opinion that needs to be shared. And through these opportunities, we can gain more opportunities to find our truest selves, no matter who we are.

Reach Dominique Lopez at letters @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY LAURYN SMITH THE COLLEGIAN

Print newspapers still deliver importance to communities

By Charlotte Seymour @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

How many times have you sat in a recliner chair on a Sunday morning, sipping coffee while reading the newspaper? I am sure most people have recently found themselves in that situation — or a similar one — fewer than a dozen times.

As time progresses and the internet rapidly develops, digital newspapers grow while print newspapers die. I get it — having everything online and accessible is amazing, but it is sad to see print newspapers fade because there is something so special about reading a physical paper as the content seeps into your mind.

Younger generations have adopted news media on digital formats since becoming so tech savvy. As a modern day college student, I don’t know what life was like before the internet, but I do value print papers, books and magazines.

Having the knowledge and information at your fingertips makes it seem immensely more impactful and personal. Therefore, we need to make sure print newspapers do not fall into a black hole and vanish forever.

The switch to online media can be attributed to changes in consumer behavior and convenience. According to the Pew Research Center, 26% of American adults often

or sometimes buy physical newspapers, and a different study reported that 60% of adults used to buy physical newspapers but no longer do so. And at this rate, the number will only continue to shrink.

“With a print newspaper, you can devote your undivided attention to the paper without any pop-ups. Additionally, many towns and cities publish their own paper, providing local news coverage that may be less notable on digital platforms.”

With that being said, there are several reasons why print journalism is vital. First, print newspapers offer more credibility, reliability and trustworthiness because of established editorial processes. Print papers also provide more

Most publications have shifted online because advertising spending has transferred to digital, and ad revenue spent on print media nullifies the amount of time readers spend there. Furthermore, printing and distributing physical newspapers can be expensive and time-consuming.

There has also been a loss of revenue in the journalism field, resulting in significant layoffs and the downfall of local news ecosystems. As a journalism major, this frightens me. But I have faith that we will pull it back together.

go to school the next day and say, “Hey, I saw you in the newspaper this week.”

Print media can still be affordable and accessible, and it doesn’t require any sort of special knowledge to use. All you have to do is pick up the paper and read; you don’t have to be familiar with the internet. But most importantly, print papers still spell prestige and remain both memorable and personal.

Reach Charlotte Seymour at letters@collegian.com.

I time traveled to write for The Collegian’s 1st edition

By Emma Souza @_emmasouza

Editor’s Note: This is a satire piece from The Collegian’s opinion section. Real names and the events surrounding them may be used in fictitious/ semifictitious ways. Those who do not read the editor’s notes are subject to being offended.

I awoke one morning to a quill in my hands that folded over my body the way a Victorian child would lie — with sickness and boredom but also a roguish Ozempic look.

“Why am I so bony?” I asked myself. This was my first genuine thought, in part because I couldn’t shake the freshman 15 but also because I looked like Tim Burton’s wet dream.

“It is 1891,” a voice answered in cursive tongue. It belonged to a man who sat in the corner of the room. He laughed, and as his shoulders

bounced, his wig slipped further back on his forehead, looking as though one glued a toupee to the butt of a watermelon.

“Why are you dressed like the French Revolution?” I asked. “We’re in Northern Colorado, not the coasts of Marseille, France.”

“It is 1891,” he repeated harshly. “The first edition of The Collegian is upon us. Our editorial board has requested that you write.”

I looked down to the quill in my hands, then back up to him. “It’s 1891, and you’re letting a woman write in a publication?”

Mario Antoinette pursed his lips. “Our editorial board demands a feminine voice. We had a better girl in mind. She was much more talented, but the plague got her.”

“What?” I asked.

“Wasn’t the black plague in, like, the 1300s?”

“No, no,” Antoinette sighed. “Those are all purely

physical, cosmetic afflictions. Her plague was confidence — it’s a scary thing to men these days. She wanted to start her own paper, something called The Woman Patriot. Doubt it’ll go anywhere.”

He reached up to fiddle with his wig and realized it shifted so far out of place that his forehead looked like a baby crowning.

“Talk about confidence,” I chuckled. “OK, so you want me to write.”

“Want is a stretch — it’s more of an obligation,” Antoinette said. “You will be the only woman writer in our staff of six students. An all-male staff would have suffocated the newsroom with the stench of unwashed swine and something I like to call manexplaining. I haven’t patented the idea yet, and it’s not as catchy as it could be, but it’s basically when a male clarifies a subject in a condescending manner that

he doesn’t necessarily have to clarify.”

“That’s revolutionary,” I said. “Never heard of it.”

“I’m quite the genius,” Antoinette replied.

“What do you see The Collegian as?” I asked, sitting up straighter in bed. “Are you doing this to provide a platform for student voices, or do you want publicity? Fame? A profit?”

“In part both,” Antoinette hummed. “My main priority is to serve as an informant and searcher of the truth. I will do so by equally reporting on events and sharing my own opinions. For example, I admire American politics. Had I been alive for the Abraham Lincoln assassination, I would have reported on the subject with truth and justice. After my report, I would publish a column demonstrating how I believe Lincoln never truly died and instead fled to the West to start a new life.”

“Oh,” I said. “And who — who is the president now?”

“Some fool named Benjamin Harrison. Irrelevant. But there’s this real stud, William McKinley, who’s up and coming. Everyone thinks this guy is going to make it to the Oval Office in no time. He’s a trooper, practically immortal. Anyway.”

Antoinette shook his head, gesturing toward my quill.

“What will you write for our first edition?” Antoinette asked.

I thought about it for a minute, then smiled.

“I’d like to write a headto-head on women in journalism,” I said. “Would you write it with me?”

“A head-to-head? Well, I don’t know if —” Antoinette said.

“Oh, you don’t know what a head-to-head is? I’d love to explain it to you. Basically, it’s when … ”

Reach Emma Souza at letters @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY KAYLEE MADSON THE COLLEGIAN

Goodbye, The Collegian, my babygirl

Adah McMillan | Executive Editor

By Adah McMillan @mcadahmillan

Editor’s Note: Traditionally, graduating seniors working at The Collegian are given the chance to write a farewell note at the end of their tenure at CSU.

I came to Colorado State University with one foot out the door. I was waitlisted by my dream schools, so I planned to do one semester at CSU and then transfer somewhere else.

The reason I didn’t originally want to go to CSU

boiled down to my belief that I was only myself and only a person worth any regard if I was smart and perceived as smart. And according to high-school Adah, a smart person doesn’t go to a state school within an hour of their

parents’ house. That wasn’t for me.

But obviously, I’m still here, and that’s thanks to what The Collegian has taught and given me.

The Collegian taught me, first of all, that I’m way too pretentious and that I need to chill out. My belief that smart people only go to super prestigious schools was instantly disproven when I joined the copy desk and met Rachel Baschnagel and Lauren Pallemaerts, two of the smartest people I’ve ever encountered.

The Collegian also taught me that I didn’t know nearly as much as I thought I did about editing. I mean, now I’m perfect — I want any future employers who might find this piece to know that — but I wasn’t as a first-year.

But the best thing The Collegian taught me is that my ability to tell the difference between an en dash and an em dash is not what makes me someone who can be valued and loved; it’s how I can make other people happy — and how they make me happy in return.

When I think about what I’m proud of from my time at The Collegian, I don’t list the errors I’ve corrected and the pieces I’ve written. I think about the times I moved the copy desk to the Durrell Center so we could drink unlimited soda while we worked. I think about Caden Proulx’s drawing of Slaydah and the Lads. I think about the copy desk’s

Boulder, Colorado, trips. I think about the funky Venn diagram comparing me with the incomparable Will Engle. I think about my successor, the beautiful, brilliant Claire Vogl. I think about the community I’ve built with coworkers who have become dear friends. I think about more than I can fit into this goodbye. I wish the Lory Student Center basement didn’t only feel like a time trap so I could work at The Collegian forever. Ignore this part if you’re a potential employer: I don’t really care about advancing my career. I’d rather keep eating Ramskeller Pub & Grub corn dogs and listening to Nathan Carmody’s playlists while I come up with genius puns. But going to college is expensive, so I must bid The Collegian farewell.

To the members of the copy desk who will survive me — Vogl, Engle, Lexi Urbom, Katelyn Urbanski and Ava Harris — I love you so much. You only need to worry about editing The Stump subject line now because that’s all I’ll be reading post graduation.

Thank you for everything, Collegian. Stay in touch — because the final lesson you taught me is how to find hard-to-find people on the internet.

Adah McMillan was the fall 2024 executive editor of The Rocky Mountain Collegian. She can no longer be reached at copy@collegian.com, but she can be reached on Twitter @ mcadahmillan.

PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

Death, taxes, missing The Collegian when I say my final goodbye Damon Cook | Sports Editor

By Damon Cook @dwcook2001

Editor’s Note: Traditionally, graduating seniors working at The Collegian are given the chance to write a farewell note at the end of their tenure at CSU.

When I first started school, I wasn’t sure I would finish it by the end of my first fall semester. As a construction management major, I failed nearly every single one of my classes.

I remember calling my mom one night and talking

about how I failed and wanted to give up and just work. She never believed I failed but, instead, just met some temporary road bumps on the path I would eventually reach the end of.

So I never swore off school completely, and after a year, I decided I wanted to try something different.

I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing, but knew two things: I liked writing, and I liked sports.

So when I called my mom again to ask her about switching my major, she pushed me to do so. She encouraged me to chase

what I was truly passionate about — so I did.

When I finally filled out the forms and my move to being a journalism student became official, my academic advisor suggested I join The Collegian I wasn’t necessarily young anymore by college standards, but I certainly was a baby when it came to knowing what I was doing. I remember the very first story I had the chance to write about a wrestling show in Fort Collins. So as excited as I could be, I went to the gym where it was held, got my interviews and wrote my story.

All my life, I had experience writing in MLA format and APA format — I honestly had no idea AP Style existed. So after turning in my first story, I got a text from my editors, Karsyn Lane and Braidon Nourse, seeing if I could come in for office hours. So I went in and, through their patience and willingness to teach me, learned AP Style and how to write a news story.

After I was eventually hired on as an editor, I remember looking back often on that year I wrote as a reporter under Lane and Nourse and the patience and willingness they showed me. I can’t imagine it was very easy, but I am forever grateful to them for helping me become the writer I am today and the inspiration they have each provided me to be the best editor I can.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones who helped. I am unsure how much Darrell Blair gets paid to help aspiring sports journalists, but I know it isn’t enough. He has done so much for me in my development, and I truly cannot thank him enough.

The people of CSU athletics have also always been there to help, and it has been really great interacting with each sports information director, but Mike Brohard especially. Although I live in fear that anything I do might come back to haunt me for the rest of my life when I am around him — shoutout Cartman — it has been worth it for the progress he has helped me achieve.

Over the past year and a half, I have truly been blessed to work alongside some of the most hard working and creative minds at CSU. When I walk across that stage Dec. 14, the one thing I will miss the most will be all of the antics we got up to. Whether it be my first Rocky Horror Picture Show or spending half the night in a hospital, I will truly cherish every single second I spent down

in that basement with all of the amazing people.

First, I must shout out our amazing page designers who have miraculously found ways to make my essays fit into the paper. Thank you, Caden Proulx and Nathan Carmody. Also, shoutout Allie Seibel and Hannah Parcells — you two have done so much for the development of my career and are truly a joy to be around on a daily basis. I look forward to seeing how much The Collegian continues to grow under your leadership.

Adah McMillan, Claire Vogl, Will Engle and the rest of the copy staff have saved me so many times. I will miss our little chats about random stuff. Each of you will do amazing things, and I can’t wait until you’re out in the world positively impacting it.

To my fellow editors, you each have worked so hard, and the papers we have published this year — in my opinion — have been some of our best work. I have to give a special shoutout to my co-editor, Michael Hovey, for doing quite literally everything this year. You have truly made my life easier, and it has been an absolute blast running this desk alongside you this semester. And finally to the sports desk, you each have worked so hard at what you do and have made my last semester truly special. I feel really fortunate to have gotten to know each and every one of you guys and am sad that I can’t stay around longer with this group of reporters. Although I didn’t mention any of the amazing people I met last year, just know I haven’t forgotten your contributions to this amazing little thing we call The Collegian Damon Cook was the fall 2024 sports editor of The Rocky Mountain Collegian. He can no longer be reached at sports@collegian.com, but he can be reached on Twitter @dwcook2001.

PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

MEDIA

Sudoku

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By Sophia Masia

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (12/5/24)

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

You might feel like you’re running in place, and anything you say or do just makes the situation even more confusing. This week is better for examining your goals rather than accomplishing them. Keep frustrations from clouding your judgement, Aries.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

You’re stepping into your power within your social circles, but not without stepping on a few toes. Balancing boundaries with compassion will bring meaningful connections to your social circle and work life. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, Taurus.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)

A fog will lift, revealing truths you’ve avoided. Use this clarity to rebuild your foundation, especially in friendships and

relationships. Slow your roll when overthinking creeps in, Gemini.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)

This week’s dreamy vibe is tempting you to retreat into your home, but responsibilities call. New opportunities for connection can blossom when you show up authentically, but be sure to avoid conflicts by grounding yourself in what truly matters, Cancer.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)

With Mars stationing retrograde in your sign, the stars may test your patience and ego. Use this time to reflect rather than react, and take advantage of creative outlets. Meaningful conversations can soothe your fiery frustrations, Leo.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22)

Unexpected joy may arrive in the form of small, meaningful connections. Miscommunications can be frustrating, but approaching others with compassion is key. Trust that your quiet diligence will pay off, Virgo.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22)

Balancing generosity with self-care is your challenge this week. You might push your feelings aside to keep the peace, but showing up authentically could lead to deepening romantic or platonic relationships. Stay open, Libra.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Right now you find yourself thinking about the bigger picture. Setbacks are arising in your home life, work life

and school work, leaving you wondering if you’re on the right track at all. Focus on long-term transformation rather than quick wins, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22DEC. 21)

Your season highlights big ideas, perspective changes and even travel; however, retrograde energy is demanding practicality. Celebrate your wins since your last solar return, but allow yourself to admit defeats as well. Who do you want to be this year, Sagittarius?

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

As Venus leaves your sign, focus on nurturing your inner glow. Communication challenges may arise midweek in your workplace or dealings with others, so lean into kindness to smooth out any interpersonal wrinkles. Work your charm, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

As Venus enters your sign this week, now is the time to retreat from the world and love yourself radically. Communication and interpersonal missteps can feel magnified, but don’t let it discourage you. Embrace your uniqueness, Aquarius.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20)

With Neptune turning direct, you feel like you’re snapping out of a dream and coming back to yourself. If you notice your confidence has wavered over the last few months, allow yourself to remember who you are. You can do it, Pisces.

Last edition’s crossword solution

Last edition’s sudoku solution

OVERHEARD AROUND CAMPUS

“These bananas aren’t going to gram themselves.”

“You look very human today.”

“Nothing says the holidays like catastrophe.”

“Why use Hinge when you can use LinkedIn?”

Have you overheard something funny on campus? Put your eavesdropping to good use. Tweet us @CSUCollegian and your submissions could be featured in our next paper!

Thursday, Dec. 5 2024 Vol. 134 No. 15

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN

TOP STORIES

FOCO EVENTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Collegian, 133 years later

Healthy government-press relationship is exemplified

ASCSU, Collegian

LORY STUDENT CENTER Winter Hours

RETROSPECTIVE

Looking back on history through The Collegian

POLARIZATION PERIL

CSU experts discuss local journalism’s impact on political division

Breaking barriers in history: The Collegian’s history of strong woman leaders endures

SERVICE EDUCATION

CSU’s ROTC reinforces tradition, dedication to US military

Diving into protest history on CSU’s campus through Collegian archives

SPORTS

CSU basketball’s Ethan Morton finds impact beyond boxscore

CURTAIN CALL

SPORTS Collegian roundtable discusses CSU volleyball postseason awards

Offensive Player of the Year

Defensive

Wellington football’s wings clipped in 2A state championship loss

SPORTS

TANNER GRAY

WELLINGTON QUARTERBACK

Past meets future in research preservation, innovation

SCIENCE

DARE programs promote innovation through intersectional lens

DR. TOMORROW

Shaping the future: CSU’s veterinary medicine program trains through innovation

SONIC SENSATIONS

CSU musician develops sounds of straight-ahead jazz

Opinion desks offer students a voice

Print newspapers still deliver importance to communities

I time traveled to write for The Collegian’s 1st edition

Goodbye, The Collegian, my babygirl

Adah McMillan | Executive Editor

Death, taxes, missing The Collegian when I say my final goodbye Damon Cook | Sports Editor

MEDIA

Sudoku

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

OVERHEARD AROUND CAMPUS